During
the last few years, numerous assisted-living facilities have been constructed
in New Jersey. We have received many inquiries concerning the need to
register these facilities and the correct category to place them in.

The
Uniform Construction Code (UCC) has determined that all assisted-living
facilities are use group I-2. Similar uses that are in the I-2 use group
are hospitals and nursing homes. Please refer to Bulletin 98-3 from
the Uniform Construction Code listing assisted-living residences as
an I-2 use.

The
corresponding life hazard use codes in the Uniform Fire Code would be
CC02, CD02, and CE03 depending on capacity. The categories listed above
are defined as “institutional and similar facilities including but not
limited to hospitals and long term care facilities which house people
suffering from physical limitation due to age, health, or handicaps”.

It
is important to remember that many of these facilities house people
of varying physical limitations and health. Since the facility is designed
and built as an I-2 use, the facility could change over a short period
of time the type of care being provided and house individuals suffering
from more serious limitations without the need for a change of use.

Based
on the above information, it has been determined that all assisted living
facilities will be registered as an CC02, CD02, or CE03 use depending
on capacity. This will also require quarterly inspections of these facilities.

Please
review your areas of responsibility and ensure that all assisted living
facilities are correctly registered.